Thieleman J. van Braght · 69 of 210

Old Book of the Martyrs Mirror · Part 7

FURTHER OBSERVATION

He had seven children, who after the death of their father had to wander about in poverty and misery, yet were supported by some kindly disposed persons, though not without peril. These things we have recorded from the testimony of their descendants, who, to this end, have sent us their written attestations, from the town of Franneker, in Friesland, dated March the 13th, 1658, and subscribed,

JOUKE WYBES.

SEVEN BRETHREN, A. D. 1536

In this year, also seven brethren, namely, Hans Beck, Wolfert Schneider, Christian Alzeiter, Balthasar Gesel, Wolfert from Getzenberg, Hans Maurer, and Peter Kranewitter, from Gofedaum in Etschland, were apprehended. Various things were resorted to with them, in order to conquer them, and to draw them away; but as they could not be prevailed upon, but adhered to their faith and to the truth, they were sentenced to death by the children of Pilate, who, through the advice of the high priest, delivered them to the executioner, who had to bring the matter to a close. Thus they were put to death., mightily admonishing the people to repent, and that this was the divine truth, showing that no impure, false, idle, or heedless hearts can stand the test. Wolfert had once apostatized, and consented to the will of the wicked; but afterwards deplored and bewailed his course. When after a few days he was again called before the judge, he again confessed the Lord, and said that the devil had deceived him in what he had done against God. He was then put back into the tower to the others, and with them steadfastly suffered death, and in this manner they together testified with their blood to the truth, at Gofedaum.

PETER GERRITS, PETER JORIS, PETER LEYDECKER,

AND JOHANNA MELS, A. D. 1536

In the year 1536, on St. Margaret's day, in the morning, the Bailiff at Zierichzee apprehended three brethren and one sister, named Peter Gerrits, Peter Joris, Peter Leydecker, and Johanna Mels, whom he took with him half dressed, and put them in prison, where they were confined for seven weeks; but no suffering or misery inflicted upon them could induce them to apostatize. When they were examined, and many human institutions were presented to them, which they endeavored to refute with the Word of God, the Burgomaster said

"We care not for your Word of God, but hold to the mandate of the Emperor, and shall ignominiously exterminate all those who act contrary to it."

They answered: "Lord Burgomaster, by this you prove yourself to be a protector of the kingdom of Babel and of Bel for which you will indeed reap some reward here on earth, but hereafter, with antichrist and the crowned beast, eternal damnation in the lake of fire." I John 2:18; Revelation 13; 19:20.

They were then placed upon the rack, though contrary to their privileges, for they were mere citizens; however, they would not apostatize, though they were tortured so that the blood ran down their feet: but they trusted in and cried to God alone. After being tortured, they were brought up above again, where they comforted each other with the Word of God. I Thess. 4:18.

Finally, on the 4th of September, they were sentenced to death. They were brought bound upon the scaffold, yet came forth boldly and humbly, as lambs of Christ, and finally knelt down, saying with Stephen: "Lord Jesus, receive our spirits into Thy hands." Acts 7:59. They were all then speedily beheaded, their bodies burned, and their heads placed upon stakes. Thus they offered up their sacrifice.

JEROME KELS, MICHAEL SEIFENSIEDER, AND HANS

ODERACKER, A. D. 1536

In the beginning of the year 1536, Jerome Kels of Kufestein, Michael Seifensieder of Wald in Bohemia, and Hans Oberacker from Etschland were dispatched to go into the Earldom of Tyrol. Acts 13:2. But when they arrived at Vienna, in Austria, they were apprehended, having been betrayed by the host with whom they had lodged. Acts 4:3; 5:26. While they were eating supper, the people tried to ascertain their character by drinking to their health; but when they perceived that they would not respond, the host had some paper brought, and wrote a letter in Latin, which, among other things, read as follows: "Here are three persons who appear to me to be Anabaptists." But he did not know that Brother Jerome understood Latin. Then said Jerome to the other brethren, they would watch together, let things go as the dear Lord should please. Two hours afterwards the constables came and brought them bound before the judge, and when they had been examined they were put in prison.

Eight days afterwards the judge had them brought before him and his assessors, where they were told to recant. Brother Jerome said that they themselves should forsake their unbelief, and not so falsely bear the name of God, or of Christ. Thereupon the judge became highly incensed at Jerome, and when the latter said they were no Christians, the judge said: "You are a desperately wicked fellow." And though he was asked this as much as ten times, he constantly confessed as before. The assessors then said: "This reprobate fellow is not worthy that your wisdom should become enraged at him." They were then led back into prison, and the judges were highly offended at Jerome and his brethren. After another eight days the judge again summoned all three before him, taking to him three of the most wicked priests. When these would speak with Jerome, contemned our calling, reviled our faith, and said that they were sent to instruct them regarding their error, Jerome boldly and fearlessly said: "We are in the right way: our calling is from God, and Christ has taught us that we should not hear a stranger's voice." John 10:5. He also said: "We are willing to give an answer to every man, and to show the ground of our hope; but with monks and priests, who are sent by the pope, who is the antichrist, we do not desire to speak, for they are great rogues, whoremongers, perjurers, deceivers and seducers, even as these."

Thereupon the judge said: "My good Jerome, you do not yet know these good lords." Jerome said: "God is my Lord, but not they." Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21. He then, for almost two hours and a quarter gave answer concerning the mass, original sin, infant baptism, calling, and their awful, idolatrous sacrament. Then followed many entreaties that he should regard his dear life, wife and child, and take to heart their sincere promise; and that he should pray to God; they would also. But he said that they had the truth and would adhere to it, they might do what they pleased, and as they could also not overcome the other brethren with their poison, the judge remanded them to prison, in which they sang comforting hymns together, and rejoiced in God. And as, they could hear each other, they, called to one aother, comforting and strengthening one another. They also delivered their written confession of faith, with full proof from the holy Scriptures, to the lords at Vienna, and to the judge.

To the aforesaid 'brother Hans Oberacher the day of the Lord appeared three times, as he informed us from prison, and he 'saw unutterable things, with the eyes of the spirit, as also with his bodilyeyes; he saw the condition of the children of God, and how great grace they received from God ,` on the other' hand, how mighty and terrible this day is for the wicked; so that he prayed that God would never let him incur this wrath, which is so great and dreadful upon wickedness. Mal. 3:17; 4,:1, 2.

Many attempts having been made to,,prevail upon these brethren, and they remaining steadfast in the faith, as strong soldiers, and lovers of God, they were condemned to death by the children of Pilate, and burned to ashes, at Vienna, on the Friday preceding iudica, in I:xnt of the aforesaid year.

GEORGE VASER, AND LEONHARD SAILER,

A. D. 1536

In this year, George Vaser, a minister of the Lord and His church, and Brother Leonhard Sailer, his companion, were apprehended at Neudorf, in Austria, where they were passing through, and were put in the stocks there. The next day, the Judge of Metling, and the whole council, as also other people with them, came and asked him on what account they we're imprisoned there. They replied: "For the faith of Christ, and the divine trpth."

They then took them, and brought them into the market town of Metling, a distance of several furlongs from Neudorf, and two leagues from Vienna. On the whole way they testified with great boldness to the truth, and with many words declared'to them the judgment of God, so that the judge and all the ,others were amazed and dared not say a single word against it. Thereupon they put them all into, the common prison,, in which they met with ail manner of ungodly and shameful impropriety on the part of their fellow prisoners, which daily caused them great sorrow of heart, so that they would rather have been cast into an offensive dungeon where they would not have beers obliged to listen to this impiety. .

During their imprisonment they were much questioned with regard to infant baptism, the sacrament, and that we call them all ungodly and unbelieving; but' they told them, that, as regards infant baptism, they were entirely welcome to it, and also said,: "Because they called themselves Christians; but falsely bore the name of Christ, and did not'move with a finger the least of Christ's commandments; therefore they should know that they were of the devil (John 8:44); and if they would not repent of their sins, God would destroy their false boast, so that they, with the whole world, and the rich man would be cast into the abyss of hell, which would certainly come to pass, though they now did not believe it. Having been in prison nearly a whole year, and being fully prepared for death; yea, of good courage and cheer, and joyful in the Lord, they prayed that the Lord, the gracious God, would deliver them from this mortal tabernacle, and this wicked, blind world; for they had a good hope and great joy and a sincere desire to depart, and expected every hour, to die manfully and boldly, through the help and power of God, for the divine truth, and for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, notwithstanding all the pain and suffering, which might be inflicted upon them.

However, through a special providence of God, they were wonderfully liberated, unharmed in their consciences, and came in peace to the church at Trasenhofen, and were joyfully received in the spirit, as good, worthy and beloved brethren.

FURTHER ACCOUNT OF GEORGE VASER,

A. D. 1537

In the following year, at the request of some of the zealous, the above mentioned George Vaser, was sent to Pechstall, in Austria, where he gladly began to teach the Word of the Lord, notwithstanding he had just come out of the prison at Metling. He gathered the believers, and established a church, according to the command of God. But he could not escape a certain deceiver, a genuine tool of all treachery, who, under a false appearance, pretended to learn the grounds of the truth of him as a minister, but, in the meantime appointed many servants, commanding them at a suitable time to apprehend this George Vaser, which they faithfully did..

He was then subjected to much cruel torturing, and while in prison was tempted in manifold ways but he remained very steadfast and faithfully followed unto death Him whom he had proclaimed in the faith; thus testifying with his blood (being executed with the sword), to the faith and the truth of God. Matt. 24:13; John 10:4; I Peter 5,:l.

SEBASTIAN GLASMACHER, AND HANS GRUENFEL

DER, A. D. 1537

In the year 1537, also Sebastian Glasmacher and Hans Gruenfelder were apprehended for the faith and divine truth, at Imst. in the upper valley of the Inn. They were executed with the sword, and then burned. They confessed the Lord and His holy Word and truth with great gladness. A countless multitude were present at their execution. Hans called and spoke with a very loud voice, admonishing and warning the people, to the best of his ability; so also did Sebastian, and in this they continued, until their death. This greatly astonished the people!! Their bones however could not be wholly burned; hence they were afterwards thrown into the water. The heart also of the one could not be burned, which was no doubt for a remarkable testimony. John 15:27, .

HANS PEIZ, AND SOME ,OTHERS; A. D. 1537

In this year 1537, also Hans Peiz, a minister of the Gospel, and several of. his fellow believers were apprehended for the divine truth, at Passau; on the Danube. They were imprisoned along time, suffered much, and, together with others, who confessed their faith and the truth, fell asleep in prison, after great steadfastness; and heroic piety.

HANS WUCHERER, AND HANS BARTEL, A. D. 1537

In this same year 1537,Brother Hans Wucherer was apprehended in Bavaria, and with him another brother, named Hans Bar tel, a weaver. They were taken to Mermes, Where they were confined for sixteen days, and were twice examined by Caiphas and the priests, and twice. through the torture. They were asked what they believed concerning the sacrament. They spoke mightily against it, that it was an abomination, and an idol before the Lord; and that it was not to be believed, that they `could give the body of Christ, with flesh and blood, just as He hung on the cross to eat so many hundred thousand times; but they said that the supper was a memorial of His suffering, death and the shedding of His blood, by which fie redeemed us, Matt. 26: 25; Luke 22:19. T o commemorate this; and to search their hearts, is the purpose for which believers, who are members of His body, or His church, are to observe it, with sincere thanksgiving to Him. They then asked them concerning infant baptism and what they held of their priests and churches. They spoke against all these according to the truth. They then questioned them about their viewsregarding their matrimony, and the Ten Commandments. To this they also gave their reply. They were then brought bound to Bruckenhausen, where each was separately put in chains in prison.' Six times they were brought forth and examined, in order to induce them to'recant, which if they would do, mercy would be shown them. But they would in no wise exchange the divine grace for the favor of the world, since they felt assured that they were in the true faith and in the truth of God.

The seventh time .the priests came to them into the prison; but they adhered constantly to God. They also greatly tortured them, severely racking Hans, and Brother Bartel twice, without, however, prevailing upon them. '

The eighth time the judge came to them, together with three others: After maltreating them fearfully, he sentenced them to' be burned; but they .hoped in the Lprd, to'rcmairi faithful and steadfast unto the end, in the divine truth, through the unspeakable riches and power of God. They were then burned for the faith, valiantly testified to the truth, and obtained the crown of the martyrs of Christ.

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PHILIP DE KEURS, A. D. 1537

In the year 1537, there was at Cassel, in Flanders, a God fearing pious brother, whose name was Philip Keurs, a joiner by trade. And since he had also separated from this present wicked world, and had entered upon the peculiar way of the cross, which leads to the kingdom of God, he, like his Lord and Master, Jesus, was hated, despised and persecuted by the servants of this world, so that he finally, fell into the hands of tyrants, who cruelly maltreated him with severe imprisonment. But as he was not founded upon drifting sand, but upon the immovable Rock (Matt. 7:24, 26; 16:18), he remained steadfast in every respect, as gold which is tried in the fire. I Pet. 1:7. And since nothing could move him to swerve from the truth, he was sentenced to death at said place; in this manner confirming the faith of the truth with his death and blood. And as he here became a partaker of the sufferings of his Lord and Master Christ Jesus, so he shall also, when His glory shall be revealed, receive and enjoy great gladness and joy, and in eternity the crown of everlasting ,glory. II Tim. 4:8.

TWELVE PERSONS, MEN AND WOMEN, BURNED AND

BEHEADED FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS

CHRIST, AT VUCHT, NEAR HERZO;

GENBUSCH, A. D. 1538

(Copied from certain very old testimonies)

In the year 1538, in August, there were apprehended' in the town ten or seventeen men and women, who were said to have been rebaptized, all of them humble (or poor) people, etc., except a goldsmith, who was among the number, whose name was Paul Vandruynen, and who was said to be their teacher.*

This Paul, together with three other men, was strangled alive and burned, upon a scaffold at Vucht, on the ninth of September.

The other three were named: Michael Stevens of Oosterhont, a potter; John Block of Ghent, a tapemaker; 'and Adrain of Gravenhage, also a tapemaker.

A rope was tied into the mouth of each that they should not speak or cry aloud.

Two 117inorites and two Dominicans were also present, who wanted to say much to them, and show them a crucifix; but they would not look at it, saying that they had God in their hearts, and, therefore, would worship neither wood nor stone; they also prayed for those who put them to death, and said that the servant was not better than his master, and that they did willingly die in His name, but would not listen to the monks.

The trial was conducted by a commissary from the court, named Sir. Adrian van de Grave a licentiate in both laws. He had with him a man of the aforesaid sect, whose misdeed had been remitted to

* "Bishop" says the writer.

him (probably an apostate), who pointed out their residences.

To said commissary seven judges were added, who together sentenced them; namely: Sir Goosen van der Stege, Gisbert Heyn, and Matthew Stooters, in the ring.

The four other judges were: Hendrick Pelgrim, alias Ketelaer; Sir Hendrick Luysterisan van der Stege, Heyligengoestmeister, and Govert Symons, jailer.

On the eleventh of September, at the afore said place, three women and one man were strangled, who were said to be rebaptized; one of whom was the wife of Paul, the teacher, here also monks were present, to induce them to renounce.

Paul's wife said: "O Lord, enlighten the eyes of those who inflict this suffering upon us, that they may see what they are doing. I thank Thee, O God, that Thou countest me worthy to suffer for Thy name's sake."

The Dominican said to another woman: "Will you not adhere to the holy church?"

She said: "I adhere to God; is this not holy church enough for me?"

The Dominican then said to the man, John van Capelle: "Ask God to forgive you for having set a bad example unto us."

He answered: "I did not err, but dealt with the Word of God, and am sorry that I have been so long in darkness. I entreat you, citizens, read the Gospel, and live according to it; forsake your drunkenness, knavery, cursing and crossing yourselves," etc.

The third woman said: "O God Almighty, do not lay upon me more than I can bear," etc. Thus they gladly died.

The aforesaid Paul and his wife had an infant of nine months, which was still unbaptized; this they took from the mother in prison and baptized it. Lord Philip van Doorn, dean of St. John, Postulia, wife of Sir John van der Stegen, and Anna, wife of Sir Goosen van der Stegen acted as sponsors to said child.

All of them were then put to death, and on the fourteenth of September, at six o'clock in the morning, a young man of the above named sect was also beheaded.

Thus far the old document sent to us from Friesland. Compared with the account in the History van den Opgang van's Hertogenbosch, by Borre van Uytrecht, concerning the persons who were brought thither as prisoners.

NOTE. It appears that the entire above account was written by some one who had not yet come to the faith; since he calls the true faith of said persons who were put to death a sect; of whose death he seems to have been an eye witness; hence we can assume this with the greater confidence, since it is certain that the opponent of a belief will not embellish, but much rather speak against it.

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LEONHARD LOCHMAIR, AND OFFRUS GREIZINGER,

A. D. 1538

In the year 1538, Brother Leonhard Lochmair, a minister of the Word, in the Earldom of Tyrol, was apprehended, and taken to Brixen, where a great number of priests practiced all manner of craftiness with him, until they caused him to apostatize. They then demanded of him, that he should go about the country for a whole year, with Doctor Gallius, and preach against and renounce the divine truth. This he would not do; hence they confined him in prison; for he had been a priest before he became a brother. He came to himself and repented of his apostasy, and great fear came upon him, for the judgment of God pressed upon him; but since God knew his sorrowful heart, He so ordered it that he was restored again, as will follow in the sequel.

In the same year, 1538, Offrus Greizinger, also a minister of the Word in the Earldom of Tyrol, was apprehended. He was sought on the mountains and in the valley, and spied on bridges and elsewhere. A large sum of money was also offered for his apprehension, and spies and traitors were sent out, who pretended to have a desire to become pious. When they had apprehended him, he was also brought to Brixen and put in prison there, his apartment being so near to that of Leonhard Lochmair's, that they could converse together. There Leonhard greatly deplored his apostasy to Offrus, and sorrowed greatly on account of it. Offrus then gave him much consolation, when, after genuine sorrow and true repentance, he proclaimed to him the remission of his sins in the name of the Lord; yea, through his intercession, re established him in his faith, and received him again as a fellow member and brother.

Not long after, when Brother Offrus, the faithful servant of the Lord and His church, was sorely tried in manifold ways, and much threatened with the torture, if he would not point out to them his brethren who had not yet been driven away, especially those who had harbored him, and done good to him, he said to them: "I have resolved to endure all pain and suffering which man can endure, even unto death, through the power of God, before I shall tell you this, and become a traitor. I well knew beforehand that this would be my fate. You have me in your power, do whatever Gad will permit you to do; if you want to tyrannize over me, you may do so; God will find you. I have nothing to say or to show." They then assailed him with threats, and urged him that if he had the truth, they would admonish him in the name of the truth, to show and speak the truth. Then Brother Offrus said: "I know you and your truth; you have heard what I said."

They also asked him whether it was not true that if our numbers should increase, we would rise up against and kill them, if they would not come over to our side? He told them that if we should do this, we would not be Christians, but only such in name; adding: "If you were true Christians you would not torture or kill any one." Hence they bound him, and drew him up, but speedily let him down from the torture, and threatened him, asking why he would have his members thus torn asunder. He replied: "I am in your hands; do with me, whatever God will permit you to do; you can take from me no more than my life." They then despaired of accomplishing anything with him.

Eight days after, they again drew him up, this time twice, yet more gently: but he said: "I have told you once what I can tell, and be it known to you that God will find you for your tyranny." They again despaired, and thenceforth left him alone, torturing him no further. He was sick in consequence of the torture, so that he said the less.

After another eight days, they again came to him, called him before them twice, but did not remain with him long, because he laid before their eyes their rascality, roguery, and unrighteousness.

After much suffering and tribulation he was then sentenced to death by the children of Pilate, placed alive into the fire, and burned to ashes; thus valiantly and steadfastly, as a Christian hero, testifying to and sealing his life and doctrine, with his blood, on Halloween, A. D. 1538. And though he had previously wrestled hard with death, yet when he went forth unto death, he was glad and joyful in his heart.

But as Leonhard Lockmair had formerly been a priest, the priests prevented his dying together with Offrus; for they intended first to divest him of their accursed ordination. In this, in order to bring to naught their counsel, God so ordered it, that the suffragan who was to do this, died. Thus he was executed with the sword, a .few days after Offrus, and, as a true priest, offered up and gave himself as an acceptable offering unto God, and testified to His truth unto death. Rom. 12:l; II Tim. 4:6.

MICHAEL WIDEMAN OR BECK, A. D. 1538

About this time also Brother Michael Wideman or Beck was apprehended at Ricten in Allgau, together with some other persons, which other persons, however, were sent home, while this brother was put in prison for the faith. Many things were resorted to with him, and he was admonished to renounce, but he had a good assurance of his faith in Christ, and said: "When I was living with the world in all unrighteousness, in sins and wickedness, no one admonished me to renounce, but I was considered a good Christian before the world. But now that I have become converted, and amended my life, I am told to renounce; but I have become converted once, and have renounced all unrighteousness, and in this conversion I will persevere unto the end, and will not be turned from it, for that in which I stand is the true foundation." After being imprisoned almost half a year, he was beheaded and burned.

MARTIN OF VILGRATEN, AND CASPAR SCHU;

MACHER, A. D. 1538

In the year 1538, the brethren Martin of Vilgraten, and Caspar Schumacher, were both apprehended for the divine truth, at Michelsberg, in Priesterthal, and, after great steadfastness, sentenced to death, and executed with the sword; thus manfully persevering in the faith unto the end. They were of good cheer in their bonds and tribulation, and held fast to the love of God, from which they could not be separated through tribulation, fear, persecution, hunger, poverty, nakedness, or danger. No sword was so keen, no fire so hot, no devil so wicked, no man so diligent, as to turn them from God and His truth, and from their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but they, through the grace and power of God, kept that which God had given them to know, even unto death.

JOHN STYAERTS, AND PETER, A. D. 1538

About this year, there were, in Flanders, two cousins, one named Styaerts, the other Peter. These two blooming and God seeking youths resided with their parents in a village called Mereedor, in Flanders. And as they were very zealous for God, and searched the holy Scriptures, they soon perceived, that the believing and regenerated according to the doctrine of Christ, as a sign of having buried the former sins, and risen with Christ, and walking in newness of life had to receive Christian baptism, in the water; and since they were desirous of this, they journeyed to Germany, to seek others of their fellow believers. But as they could not find such as suited their wishes, they soon returned to their parents in Flanders, where they earnestly sought the Lord their God, so that they had a good report, doing much good to the poor, and saying with Zaccheus, that if they had defrauded any one, they would restore it fourfold. Luke 19:8. When the blinded papists, who most bitterly hated the light of truth, perceived this, they took these two young lambs out of the houses of their parents, at Mereedor, and brought them beyond Ghent, into a village called Vinderhout, where they most severely imprisoned them in a dungeon. Jer. 38:6. Once when their sister came to bring them some fine shirts, they told her that they could not keep them from the worms, which were in their food, eating it, and in their clothes and shirts on their bodies. They further said: "Here is a Bible, the contents of which, as well as the cause of our bonds, will yet come to light after our death." The aforesaid John Styaerts was once released from prison, on account of sickness, and, as is thought, could easily have obtained his liberty; but he voluntarily returned to prison, desiring gladly to die with his dear brother for the name of Jesus. Thus after a certain time they were led to the slaughter. Peter; who came forth first to die, casting his eyes up to heaven, boldly called out to John Styaerts: "Fight valiantly, my dear brother; for I see the heavens open above us." Acts 7:56. They were together put to death with the sword at Vinderhout. Thus these young branches in the court of the Lord (Jer. '17:8; Ps. 1:3), were also devoured by the awful beast which rose up out of the sea (Rev. 13:1), but they had no power over their immortal souls, which escaped from them unto God, where they, shall forever live in unspeakable joy. When their parents came from Mereedor to Vinderhout, and inquired for their children, the villagers told them that they had already been executed with the sword. And thus they were deprived of their children by these tyrants.